Copper wire stolen from Delridge Playfield

About 1,200 feet of copper wire has been stolen from light poles at Delridge Playfield, 4458 Delridge Way SW. Seattle Parks and Recreation electricians estimate repairs will cost between $15,000 and $20,000, and could take up to two weeks to implement.

In response, Parks turned off the power to the north and south playfield lights and notified sports leagues and other playfield users of rescheduled practices, games and events until a repair plan is in place. Security lighting will remain on at the field.

“This is a significant theft,” said Acting Parks Superintendent Christopher Williams, “and we want to catch the person or people who did it because this creates a needless expense for taxpayers and an unnecessary loss of playing time for park users.”

The copper wiring was accessed from the junction boxes under light poles around the perimeter of the field. After cutting the wires between each junction box, thieves brought in a vehicle (likely a truck), hooked up the wire to the vehicle and pulled out the wiring. Parks staff believe the theft was conceived and executed over several nights, as it appears other junction boxes with wire still inside were prepared for theft.

Parks crews are out at the site today securing the junction boxes and assessing the damage.

“We are asking anyone who is a neighbor to a Seattle Parks and Recreation ballfield to help us keep eyes on our parks,” said Williams. “We need neighbors’ help to deter criminal activity.”

Parks asks anyone who has information about the theft to call the Seattle Police Department emergency number, 625-5011. To report suspicious behavior in our parks, call the Park Ranger offices at (206) 684-7088.

This press release is also available on Seattle Parks and Recreation’s Parkways Blog.